Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
