Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
