Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted 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. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
