Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
