For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
