Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
