Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
