Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers 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 care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
