For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
