For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
