Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. 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 expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable 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 community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
