Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
