For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
