Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
