For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason 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 of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
