For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
