For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
