Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
