Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than 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 start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
