For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
