For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
