Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet 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 defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately 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, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
