For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
