Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
