For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent 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 close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
