For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie 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 source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
