Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
