Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people 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 I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
