Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably 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 gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about 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 decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
