For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
