For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
