Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome 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. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, 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 their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
