For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
