Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 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 remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
