Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
