Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
