Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
