For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses 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—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
