Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
