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 gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
