Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. 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 an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
