Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive 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 heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
