Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
