Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
