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 were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up 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 that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
