Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
