Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting 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 enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
