For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
