Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "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. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
