Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still 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 admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, 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
