Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
