Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. 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 heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto 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 reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
