Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "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 cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
