Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation 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 movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
