Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
