Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity 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 wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
