Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
