For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
