Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
