For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
