Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
