Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable 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 appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
