Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
