For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. 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 whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. 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. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
