Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
