Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic 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 end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
