Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
