Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
