For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains 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.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
