Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
