Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
