Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite 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 infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
