Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
