Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
