Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
