Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord 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 I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
