Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is 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.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
