Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
