For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
