Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
