Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
