Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed 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 supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
