Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce 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.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
