For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene 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 emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
