Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before 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 dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
