Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. 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, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
