For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
