Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
