Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
