For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far 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 presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
