Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
