For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
