Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
