Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably 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 playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
