Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular 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 gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
