For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "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, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
