Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
