Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
