Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
