For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple 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 early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "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 values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
