Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals 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 so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
