Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's 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 personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable