Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
