Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
