For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
