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, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was 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 all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
