Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, 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 regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
