Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also 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 heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
