Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
