Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
