Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
