Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
