Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
