Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out 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 relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
