Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
