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 were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was 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!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family 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 grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
