Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
