For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
