Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents 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, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
