For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
