Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
