Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious 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 strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still 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 nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
