Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
