For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing 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 sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
