For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "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 cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
