Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. 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 who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
