For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business 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 extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
