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. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
