Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
