For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
