For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic 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 end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
