For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
