For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
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 presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
