Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting 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 enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide 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 on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
