For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
