Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat 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 zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. 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 practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
