For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
