Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
