For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was 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!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
