Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
