Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
