Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
