For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
