For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
