Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
