For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
