For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
