Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
