Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
