For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them 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 real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however 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, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
