Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between 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 his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters 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, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
