For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
