Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
