For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. 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 over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
