Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem 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 do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
