Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
