Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
