Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict 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! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
