Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic 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 often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
