Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
