Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
