Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation 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 films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are 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 entertaining
