Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
