For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. 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 building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable