Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
