For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "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 loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
