Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
