For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
