Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
