For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close 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 he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
