Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
