Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive 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 the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
