Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
