For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
