For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
