For the most part, 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 exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "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 apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
