For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
