Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce 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 nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. 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 a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
