Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, 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 recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
