Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things 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 that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
