Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier 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 absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic 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 often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
