Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
