Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
