For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
