For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
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 any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
