Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
