Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally 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 close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
