Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
