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 feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
