For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
