Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
