For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested 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 horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new 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 film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
