Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome 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 frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
