Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows 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 flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called 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 proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
