Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
