For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet 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 what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. 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 the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
