Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
