Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. 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 herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce 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 as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
