Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
