For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
