For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, 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 gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
