For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
