Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
