Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
