For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly 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 frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
