For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just 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, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, 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 all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
