Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
