Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
