Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
