Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic 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 apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
