Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
