For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious 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 kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
