Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
