For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
