Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
