Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which 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 physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
