Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
