Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved 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 often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
