Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in 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, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby 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 is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
