For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
