For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
