Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains 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 quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
