Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
