Generally speaking, 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 mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people 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 apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
