Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside 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 popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
