For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
