Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. 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 general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
