Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché 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 clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up 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 building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
