For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
