Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While 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 purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
