For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
