Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
