Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, 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 as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome 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 often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
