Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves 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 conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
