Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative 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 Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
