For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
