Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
