For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
