For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
