Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic 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 I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
