Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
