Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, 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. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
