For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
