For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
