For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
