For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
