For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree 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 toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
