Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
