For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
