For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "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. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
