Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was 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! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
