Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
