For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
