Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable 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 dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously 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 idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
