Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
