For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
