Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
