Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
