Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
