For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has 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 decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
