For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "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 husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
