Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
