For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
