For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust 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.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
