For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
