Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
