Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
