Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
