Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion 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 loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
