Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
