For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
