For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see 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 been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning 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 films. 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 decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
