Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation 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 avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
