Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
