Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
