Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
