For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear 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, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
