Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they 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 instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
