Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
