Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
