Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
