Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
