Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
