For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
