Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
