For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
