Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
