Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
