Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
