Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
