For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
