Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
