For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
