Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
