For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
