Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
