For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head 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 former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide 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 that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
