Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
