Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
