Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
