Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
