Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been 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 Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion 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 movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
