Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic 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 end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
