Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
