Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
