Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
