For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals 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 I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining