Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
