Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army 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 the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, 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 sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby 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 over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
