Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing 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 enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
