For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
