For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in 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 beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic 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 apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
