For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
