Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation 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 apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
