For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
