Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even 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, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie 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 as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
