For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
