For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. 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 building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
