Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie 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 a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
