For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable