Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims 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 of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
