Generally speaking, 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 feels largely exhausted nowadays. 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 turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict 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 pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
