Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. 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 finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent 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 film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
