Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
