Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
