Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
