For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
