For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not 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 the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
