Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, 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 over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
