For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
