For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
