Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
