Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
