For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
