For the most part, I've had my fill of 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 much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits 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 isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
