Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
