For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked 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 depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
