Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly 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 films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic 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 do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
