For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
