Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
