For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
