Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to 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. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
