For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
