Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
