Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
