Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
