For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
