Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
