For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
