For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
