Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "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 cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
