Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious 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 quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
