For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
