For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, 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 having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
