For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
