Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 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 subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people 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 so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
