Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted 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, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
