Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
