For the most part, 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, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
