Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord 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 I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
