Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
