Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
