Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
