For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
