For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
