Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
