Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
