Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
