Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
