For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly 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 apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
