Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), 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 using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
