For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet 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, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic 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 often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
