Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike 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 freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
