For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
