Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While 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 remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
