For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building 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 notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
