Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
