Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
