For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
