For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
