Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "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 end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
