Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
