Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
