Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building 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 causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
