For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
