Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "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. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
