Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel 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 express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
