For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
