For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
