For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
