For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
