Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 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 some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
