Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
