Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
