For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic 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 apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
