For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
