For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
