Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
