Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
