Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
