Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged 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 scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
