Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
