Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
