Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
