Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, 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 all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
