Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named 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 family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "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 end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
