Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense 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 realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
