Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
