Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly 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 socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical 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, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
