Generally speaking, 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, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "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 apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
