Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. 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 supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
