For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
