For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
