Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
