Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
