Generally speaking, I'm over 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 nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, 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 beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
