Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot 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 viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict 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 I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
