Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
