For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
