For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. 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 surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
