Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
