Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
