For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
