Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic 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 allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
