For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film 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 source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
