Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome 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 end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
