Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
