Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
