Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
