For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
