Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
