For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
