Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
