For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
