Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much 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 regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
