Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "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 relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
