Typically, 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, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
