Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
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 you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
