For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
