Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 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 turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
