Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only 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 surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, 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 frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
