Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
