For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough 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, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
