Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
