Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
