Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up 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 building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
