For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
