Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
