Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
