Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "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 films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
