For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
