Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
