Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
