Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals 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 isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
