Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
