Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains 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 quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
