Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
