For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once 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 authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
