For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various 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 shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
