Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
