Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
