Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
