For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. 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 toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
