Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
