For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
