Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits 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 perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
