For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming 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 everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
