For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
