For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
