For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
