Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. 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 subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
