Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
