Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly 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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
