Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. 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 nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
