Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes 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 pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
