Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
