Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
