Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
