Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
