Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
