For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of 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 on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes 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 I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
