For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
