Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, 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. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
