For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to 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 unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
