For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn 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 holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
