Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
