Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
