For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
