For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
