Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. 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 a captivating and enjoyable
