Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
