Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
