For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
