For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
