Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
