Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off 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 shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, 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 all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
