For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
