Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
