Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—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 for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
