For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
