Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
