Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
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 offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
