Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
