For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
