Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted 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 latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
