For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved 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 frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
