Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
