For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
