Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from 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 devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto 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. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
