Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end 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 dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, 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. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
