Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
