For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome 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 movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
